Phone: (704) 488-4469
FAX: (206) 350-7754
3025 Mill Stream Court, Matthews, NC 28104
Click here to see a sample report
TO SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION PLEASE DIAL: 704-488-4469
View Pre-Inspection Agreement Form
Buying a home is a big investment. Make sure that you have 'A Sure-Look Home Inspections' on your side so that you are informed about buying with confidence and total peace of mind...
...whether you're thinking about listing your home, buying a home, or simply want to keep your home in top shape!
Meet the 'A Sure-Look Team': left to right
Jeffery Karlsons - Home Inspector NC & SC
Clark Kothera - Home Inspector NC & SC
Lynn Pulley - Administrative & Scheduling Coordinator
Gary Williams - Master Home Inspector NC & SC
Keenan Pulley - Trainee Home Inspector
Our Promise To You!
Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals, you probably will not get to meet us until after you hire us. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications, personalities, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes, different pricing. One thing for sure is that a home inspection requires work, a lot of work which requires focusing on attention to detail. It's not a numbers game with 'A Sure-look Home Inspections'; it's about quality. There are also no quotos to meet and the enjoyment taken to thoroughly inspect your property in whatever time is necessary ensures that you are informed with confidence. Ultimately a thorough inspection depends heavily on the individual inspector's own effort. If you honor us by permitting one of our highly trained Inspectors' to inspect your new home, we guarantee that we will give you our very best effort and inspect your property with integrity, honor, experience and expertise, as if it were our very own. This is our promise to you!
Gary Williams, Certified Master Inspector, C.M.I.
INSPECT THIS...
Professional profile - Gary Williams:
Over 25 years in the Engineering Profession
Over 15 years experience as Plant Engineering Manager (Local & International)
4 year: Business Administration
4 year: Electrical Engineering
Served Four Year Apprenticeship & Qualified as Master Installation Electrician
Previous experience as a Licensed Electrical Contractor
International Home Inspection experience
Specialized project management training & experience (Local & International)
Past Chairman: Institute of Cert. Mechanical & Electrical Engineers (International - RSA)
International Marketing Experience: Registered Chartered Marketer CM(SA)
NC Certified Home Inspector License # 2110
SC Certified Home Inspector License # 1396
NACHI membership # 04010631
I have completed more than 1,800 Home Inspections and am listed as a
Certified Master Inspector, C.M.I. by the Master Inspector Certification Board at
www.CertifiedMasterInspector.org
A Sure-Look Home Inspections is a member of:
NACHI - The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
NCLHIA - North Carolina Licensed Home Inspection Association
SCRBC - South Carolina Residential Builders Commision
FREA - The Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers
BBB - Member of the Better Business Bureau
All inspections are conducted under a strict code of ethics and are treated as highly confidential. All State and Local Standards of Practice are applied and strictly adhered to.
view code of ethics
view standards of practice
Our mission:
Helping you protect your property and make a solid business decision is our mission.
Our goal is to conduct an objective examination of your building and property and to identify conditions and potential defects that may exist and if left unattended could become costly and lead to financial burdens. Because our loyalty is with you, the customer, we do not recommend or endorse any contractors for repairs. We believe in 'Inspected once! --- Inspected right!'
A Sure-Look Home Inspections is tailored to meet your needs by providing you with a detailed and comprehensive inspection covering hundreds of items in your home. We welcome you to join us during the inspection.
The knowledge and expertise offered by A Sure-Look Home Inspections ensures that you are made aware of any unknown defects, thereby preserving your investment in your home. A combination check/narrative computer generated report will be posted on the web the same day the inspection is carried out. If requested, a hard copy (ie.paper bound report including a copy on CD) will also be mailed to you the next business day giving detailed information about the condition of all the major components of your Home.
"Home buyers click here"
"Home sellers click here"
"Inspection Excellence"
Our full home inspection includes:
Exterior: foundation, wall structure, wall covering(ie.all types, including STUCCO), doors, windows, etc.
Roof: covering, flashings, chimneys, drainage, facia, soffits, ventilation, etc.
Plumbing & Laundry: service pipes, waste pipes, vents, laundry facility, etc.
Electric service: supply, ratings, branch wiring, GFCI'c, AFCI's, grounding, bonding, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, switches, receptacles, etc.
Garages:doors, seals, door openers, safety eye's, floors, etc.
Water Heater:energy source, capacity, TPR valve, water temp., shut-off valves, etc.
Interior rooms:wall & ceiling materials, floor surfaces, doors, counter tops, cabinets, kitchen sinks, balconies & catwalks, handrails & stairs, appliances, etc.
Fireplaces & solid fuel burning appliances:types & materials, dampers, liners, hearth, etc.
Basements:insulation materials, piers/support posts, beams, floor structure above, etc.
Heating and air conditioning:energy source, heating type, location, distribution, filters, electrical disconnects, etc.
Attic:access, roof structure, ceiling structure, insulation materials, etc.
Crawl space:insulation materials, pier/support posts, beams, floor structure above, vapor barriers, etc.
And much more...
Glossary: view glossary
Additional inspections offered:
(Click on the links below to learn more)
Pre-Listing Inspections
New Construction-in-progress Inspections
Bank/Lender Construction Drawing Inspections
Pre-dry-wall Inspections
Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
One year Warranty Inspections
Condition Reports for Real Estate Settlements
Problem solving: Consults/Limited Inspections
Lead paint view lead paint
Pest view pest
Septic tanks view septic tanks
Water view water
Radon gas view radon gas
Mold view mold
Pools & pumps view Mecklenburg's swimming pool rules
Electro Magnetic Fields(EMF's) view EMF's
Videotaping
Additional fees for these additional services apply. Some of these additional inspections may not be conducted by A Sure-Look Home Inspections.
Our commitment:
We are here to work together with you as 'business partners' and serve all your Home Inspection needs with confidence giving you total peace of mind
All inspections are carried out professionally and in accordance with NACHI & State Standards of Practice
The comprehensive check-list/narrative combination reports are computer generated utilizing the very latest software packages available to the home inspection industry today. These reports include color pictures and other very informative technical details, with separate summary page/s. The reports are compiled and posted on the web the same day the inspection is carried out, and if requested, a hard paper copy will follow the next business day, view sample report. For ease of reference, a separate summary page is submitted with each report, view sample summary page
We offer very flexible schedules to meet your individual needs
Geographical areas we cover:
Charlotte & surrounding areas - NC
Union county - NC
Lancaster county - SC
Rock Hill - SC
Fort Mill - SC
Lake Wylie - SC
Find an Inspector: click here
Our rates:
NOTE: NEED TO INCLUDE BOTH HEATED & UNHEATED(eg.GARAGES) SPACES WHEN DETERMINING RATES
NOTE: DISCOUNT OF $25.00 OFFERED IF PAYMENT MADE BY CREDIT CARD, CHEQUE OR CASH AT INSPECTION
Homes (includes: Single Family Home & Townhome & Mobile & Condo):
Up to 1,500 sq.ft.: $275.00
1,500 - 1,999 sq.ft.: $300.00
2,000 - 2,499 sq.ft.: $325.00
2,500 - 2,999 sq.ft.: $350.00
3,000 - 3,499 sq.ft.: $375.00
3,500 - 3,999 sq.ft.: $400.00
4,000 - 4,499 sq.ft.: $425.00
4,500 - 4,999 sq.ft.: $450.00
5,000 - 5,499 sq.ft.: $475.00
5,500 - 5,999 sq.ft.: $500.00
6,000 & over: +$ 25.00 per 500 sq.ft.
Crawlspace inspection fee: +$25.00 additional fee to home inspection fee
Detached buildings(if required to be inspected): +$25.00 per 500 sq.ft.
Duplex: (add to regular Home Inspection fee): $100.00
Pre-Dry-Wall inspections: 50% of the regular full home inspection fee
New construction inspection fee: same as regular home inspection fee.
Homes 20 years and older, add: $50.00
Homes older than 50 years, add: $75.00
Homes older than 100 years, add: $100.00
Radon gas: $140.00
Well water bacteria test (includes: total coloform & faecal coloform): $100.00
FHA water test (bacteria, nitrate, nitrate, lead): $140
Potable water sulphur test: $130.00
Asbestos sample: $125.00
Lead sample: $110.00
Mold: ask for details
Termite inspection: $65.00
Septic tank inspection: Call for pricing - Autry Septic Services (tel# 704-357-1250)
Electro Magnetic Field (EMF): Free with home inspection
Re-inspections from report findings: from $150.00
N.B.sq.ft. includes: heated & un-heated(ie.garage) spaces
Top 10 reasons for choosing my services:
1. My qualifications & engineering background ensure that your home is inspected once, and inspected right
2. I am a fully licensed and insured Home Inspector, and fulfill 18 hours of continuing education every year
3. I am a member in good standing of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
4. I am available on Saturdays - no extra charges for week-end inspections
5. I make arrangements for, and also provide the certified termite report with full home inspection report
6. I generate easy-to-read inspection reports, concerns are listed on a separate summary page
7. My same-day reports are computer generated & posted on the web for quick & easy viewing, view sample report
8. If requested, I will mail a paper-bound color copy of the report to you the next business day, which includes a copy on CD
9. I own high-tech equipment that is used during the inspection, eg.EMF/RF/Microwave AC gaussmeter
10. Yes, I do have SuperKey(NC) & SupraKey(SC) access
I am the quality home inspector you want to hire!
Inspections you can trust!
Inspected once!----------------Inspected right!
Anyone else is just looking around!
I am a proud active member of NACHI which is the world's largest and most elite home inspection association. Click on the picture above to discover that NACHI is the international home of over 9,400 inspectors worldwide.
Home Maintenance Check List
Monthly:
1. Clean dishwasher filter(if provided), usually at lower spray arm.
2. Purge garbage disposal by first filling kitchen sink with clean water, then turn on food disposer until water is drained through.
3. Change/clean air conditioning return filters monthly. This will help keep your air cleaner and system running more efficiently. Clogged air filters will make your system operate longer than required, thereby increasing your monthly bills.
4. Wash refrigerator/freezer interior walls and door liner with solution of 1 quart warm water: 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and wipe dry.
5. Vacuum and clean all return air ducts/grills.
6. Inspect lighting fixtures and replace blown light bulbs.
7. Clean clothes drier lint traps and or ducts to reduce fire risk.
8. Clean toaster oven crumb tray.
Quarterly:
1.Inspect exterior doors to ensure they are weather tight. Adjust or replace weather stripping as needed.
2. Service doors(incl. garage doors) and drawers, clean and lubricate latches, hinges and guides.
3. Inspect and repair exterior caulking around windows, doors, and siding.
4. Replace/clean central heating system(furnace) filters.
5. Re-tighten knobs on kitchen cabinets, don't overtighten.
Semi-Annually:
1. Have heating and air conditioning systems inspected and serviced by licensed contractor.
2. Inspect and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace back up batteries.
3. Check (GFCI)ground fault interrupted circuits. Test if grounded and correct polarity.
4. Inspect and maintain proper drainage around home. Clean gutters and down-pipes and ensure water is flowing away from your home.
5. Inspect home for rodent droppings or other pests. Have home treated as needed.
6. Test sump pump for reliable operation, especially before any rainy season.
7. Wash fan housing and metal filter connected to range hood exhaust fans. These can be safely washed by placing them inside the dishwasher.
8. Vacuum coils behind refrigerator/freezer to remove dust, this will improve efficiency of unit.
9. Tap off a bucket of water from the hot water heater until it runs clean.
Annually:
1. Inspect and repair settling cracks (if necessary).
2. Inspect and lubricate garage door tracks.
3. Inspect exterior paint for cracking and wear. Repaint or seal as needed.
4. Drain and refill water heater.
5. Trip main breaker on electric panel.
6. Inspect all electric cords and replace if necessary.
7. Inspect attic for water damage, birds, and rodents.
8. Inspect all electrical cords and replace if necessary.
9. Inspect basement for moisture/mold and wood rot.
10. Inspect attic for signs of roof leaks or water damage, bird nests, rodent or squirrel nests, and clean if necessary.
11. Change water filters and have water softeners serviced.
12. Inspect roof flashings, chimney caps, shingles(for mold and damage) and caulking for possible damage.
13. Pressure wash deck, walkways and driveway.
14. Reseal wood decks with preservative and inspect and secure nails that may be protruding out. Nails have a tendency to pop out after very cold weather conditions.
15. Clean or replace oil filter(oil fired burner only).
16. Inspect outside electrical service feeder for exposed bare wires and tree interference.
17. Inspect basement/crawl space area for signs of termites and/or other wood-boring insects.
18. Use hose to wash off dirt from coil and fan in heat pump/condenser locate outside of house.
19. Inspect all hoses(and replace if necessary) connected to laundry washer unit.
20. Clean and seal ceramic tile grout lines in bathrooms/toilets/kitchen.
21. Check caulking at tub and shower, and replace if necessary.
22. Wash and blow clean bathroom exhaust fan grill and fan blades.
23. Wash windows(exterior and interior), screens, seals and ledges. Repair if necessary.
24. Clean and lubricate sliding glass door tracks and window tracks.
25. Check stucco joints around doors and windows.
26. Inspect the dishwasher's motor motor spin seal, and replace if necessary.
27. Inspect laundry washer water fill hoses for cracks, blisters, corroded fittings and leaks.
28. Place beeswax or paraffin on built-in kitchen cabinets that have wooden guides.
29. Inspect for creosote deposits in the fireplace flue liner, these are black or brown residue of combustion that collects on the inner surfaces. If the build up is more than 1/8 inch, remove it.
30. Vacuum around the gas hot water heater(especially near furnace) to remove dirt and grime.
Tips for clogged drains:
Keeping the Drains Clear:
1. By pouring a pot of hot water down the drain once a week will melt away any fat or grease that may have built up in the drain line or P-trap.
2. If you have a clogged drain, just pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then pour a pot of hot water down the drain. This will break down fats and also keep the drains smelling fresh.
3. Every six months, keep your drains clean by using a copper sulfide or sodium hydroxide-based drain cleaner, or other recommended drain cleaner available from your local store.
Other safety tips:
Ensure that you know where the following items are located:
1. Emergency contact telephone numbers.
2. Fire extinguishers and water hose pipes.
3. Heating gas/fuel main shutoff valve.
4. Main electrical disconnect circuit breaker(breaker box/service panel).
5. Main drain line clean-out.
6. Main water shut off valve.
7. All window and door exits.
In addition to the above, carry out the following monthly safety checks:
Some of these items may have already be included in the home maintenance list, but these monthly safety checks are advisable for safety reasons:
1. Test ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles(GFCI's).
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries if necessary.
3. Inspect and lubricate (if necessary) all emergency exits, including windows and doors.
4. Inspection of heating unit and water heater for visual integrity.
Home appliance estimated life spans:
1.Dishwasher water valves: 3-7 years
2.Range and oven: 18-20 years
3.Garbage disposal: 10 years
4.Microwave: 10 years
5.Refrigerator: 18-20 years
6.Laundry washer: 14 years
7.Laundry drier: 14 years
8.Refrigerator/Freezer: 18-20 years
9.Central air conditioner system: 15 years
10.Window mounted air conditioning system: 8 years
11.Bathtub/Sink: 50 years
12.Garage door opener: 10 years
13.Laundry water fill hoses: 3-5 years
14.Trash compactor: 10 years
Energy saving web-sites:
Perhaps you never thought of your home as a likely place to save you a lot of money, but it is. Most homes are far from being energy-efficient. That means if you are using more energy than you have to, you are also paying higher monthly bills than necessary. By checking out the following energy saving web-sites, you will be able to gain some wise energy saving ideas that you will be able to put to use right away. You can do many of them yourself, others may require the services of a licensed contractor:
http://www.dom.com/customer/efficiency/res/home/indoor
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide
http://www.efficientwindows.org
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